Somerset Standard

A Frome charity that supports people with learning and communication difficulties has been awarded a grant of £20,900.

Openstorytellers, based in Bridge Street, has been given the money over the next two years by Lloyds TSB Foundation for England and Wales.

The grant will help fund an administrator so the charity can continue to help reduce social exclusion.

Openstorytellers was established in 2009 and operates across Somerset and Wiltshire. The administrator will provide support for its projects and services.

Director Cindy Moxham said: “The number of people with complex needs is ever increasing and it is estimated that areas with an average population of 250,000 will have 105 individuals with profound disabilities by 2026, that’s an increase of 27 per cent.

“Our aim is for disabled people to receive the best opportunities and support possible. Through our training courses, performances and community activities we can help individuals to become active members of their community.”

The foundation provided 77 grants totalling £1.7million last year to the South West alone.

Trevor Smale, grant manager for Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, said: “Openstorytellers is providing an innovative service where people can develop their skills and abilities, opening up opportunities for them that may not have been previously there.

“At the foundation, we aim to provide funding that can bring a positive impact to those most vulnerable and support lasting change. Openstorytellers is doing just that.”

For more information about the charity visit www.openstorytellers.org.uk, and for the foundation visit www.lloydstsbfoundations.org.

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